Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups
This recipe transforms classic Chicken Caesar salad into a fresh, handheld delight using crisp romaine lettuce cups. Featuring homemade sourdough croutons, tender roasted chicken, and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing, it's a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Large Skillet For toasting croutons
- 2 Mixing Bowls One for dressing, one for chicken mixture
- 1 Whisk For emulsifying the dressing
Ingredients
Main
- 4 ounces sourdough bread cut into 1/2-in. pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ¼ cup 2% reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts about 8 oz. each
- 2 cups chilled chopped roasted chicken breast (about 6 oz.)
Instructions
- Cut the sourdough bread into ½-inch pieces. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread pieces and toast, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, water, mayonnaise, finely shredded Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the romaine lettuce hearts by carefully washing them and gently drying each leaf. Separate the individual leaves to create cup-like structures for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled, chopped roasted chicken breast with the prepared Caesar dressing. Toss gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add the toasted sourdough croutons to the chicken mixture and toss lightly to combine without breaking the croutons too much.
- Spoon the chicken and crouton mixture generously into the prepared romaine lettuce cups.
- Serve the Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups immediately to enjoy their crispness and fresh flavors.
Notes
For the croutons, ensure uniform sizing of the sourdough pieces for even toasting. Use medium heat to prevent burning while achieving a golden crispness; a touch of garlic powder can enhance their flavor. The dressing is paramount: whisk thoroughly to emulsify the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and water, then adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, Dijon) to taste. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will offer superior flavor. Ensure the roasted chicken is thoroughly chilled and shredded for a tender texture that blends well with the dressing. Crisp romaine is crucial; wash and dry the leaves well to avoid a watery result. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to maintain the desired crunch.